During the refloating process, crews also moved the ship 20 meters (about 66 feet) in preparation for its towing to Genoa, where it will be scrapped. The operation will cost a total of $2 billion, according to Costa Crociere CEO Michael Tamm.

In the meantime, the ship's captain Francesco Schettino remains on trial on charges of manslaughter, causing a maritime disaster, and abandoning ship with passengers still on board. Schettino has denied wrongdoing, saying he fell onto a lifeboat instead of voluntarily boarding one. Five other crew members entered plea bargains in July 2013 and were convicted of manslaughter by an Italian court.